Upcoming Event HIGHLIGHTS

Because our Events listing draws directly (and chronologically) from our events calendar, there are a few upcoming items that you’ll want to see coming, mark your own calendar, and share. You will want to know about:

LEHIGH VALLEY:
One of the wonderful Interfaith Moral Climate Advocacyworkshops, headlined by Justin Wright of Active Neutrals, and in partnership with PennFuture will be held on Presidents’ Day, February 15. REGISTRATION is open now, FLIERS are available. Click to learn more and sign up. Co-sponsored by PA IPL, the Eco-Justice Ministries of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and the Creation Care Task Force of the NE PA Synod (Lutherans).

Tu B’Shevat (the “Jewish new year of the trees”) begins January 24 at sundown (the 15th day of Shevat). Join all-are-welcome celebrations in BRYN MAWRor GERMANTOWN 1/24. Find resources generously shared by COEJL and the Shalom Center to explore more on your own. YourRSVP is important to our planningfor both of the celebrations linked above.

On the Christian calendar, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 10 this year. It is a time of preparation, reflection and, for many, fasting, so it’s a great time to think about a CARBON FASTor a Lenten text study linked to climate change. The Ecumenical Carbon Fast designed by the New England Regional Environmental Ministries is excellent, and we see no need to re-invent the wheel! Anyone may sign up now for 2016 once-a-day Lenten emails. To get a glimpse at what you’ll be getting, browse the 2015 resources. Each week has a biblically-linked theme and includes actions to take, both as an individual and with a congregation. If you are a Christian pastor in a congregation that follows the Common Lectionary, you may find this lectionary-based weekly sermon reflections on the lessons useful, whether you choose to use them during Lent or periodically throughout the year.

People of other faiths may wish to sign up for the Lenten emails (or browse the 2015 materials) in order to mine them for inspiration in connection with periods of fasting and reflection in your own tradition. Would you like to use the inspiration to craft tailored resources drawing on your own scriptures and traditions? We’d love to make sure the effort is well-spent by sharing it far and wide. We’ll even help!